Full Service Gas in NJ (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Is anyone disputing that pumping your own gas is better than having someone do it for you?

yes. do you prefer to have someone feed you by hand too?

 

[Fat Nick]

Just as an FYI - You have to be really careful with the "richest county" designator, especially in NJ. See a list here...I live in Hunterdon and work in Morris. There is a lot more wealth in Morris Co, and especially Somerset and even some counties other than in Hunterdon. But...There is also a lot more poverty and crappy areas in them too. Hunterdon is typically near the top of this list not because of the rich, but because of a smaller number of poor to bring the average down. Just saying...

 

[Bri]

Just as an FYI - You have to be really careful with the "richest county" designator, especially in NJ. See a list here...I live in Hunterdon and work in Morris. There is a lot more wealth in Morris Co, and especially Somerset and even some counties other than in Hunterdon. But...There is also a lot more poverty and crappy areas in them too. Hunterdon is typically near the top of this list not because of the rich, but because of a smaller number of poor to bring the average down. Just saying...

The one I was referring to is now 36 and some of those companies have moved away since.

 

[njherdfan]

I never needed to pump gas until I went away to college. I learned this by pulling up to a pump at a crowded gas station then sitting patiently in my car for at least five minutes waiting for the overworked attendant to get to me. He never did.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

These answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

 

[GroveDiesel]

at "never had to get one of those"

Yeah I was thinking of the old fast pass or what ever. Again, in NJ all my life its never been an issue. Just hand the guy cash and go.Fact remains, I pay less and never leave my car.

How does it cost less to pay somebody to fill your car up instead of doing it yourself?

NJ prices are lower than national average (thanks to the 2nd lowest gas tax in the nation) I can drive about 5 miles from my house to PA and pay as much as 25 to 30 cents per gallon more and have to pump it.Right now I can pay $2.05 in NJ. A few miles away in PA the lowest (on gas buddy) is $2.43.

So if you didn't have to pay the guy to pump the gas, it would be even less expensive?

Yes. Any Jersian arguing otherwise is simply being dishonest.

I have to admit that it's nice when it's super cold outside or pouring down rain, but there are lots of times where I waste 5-10 minutes having to wait for the pump monkey to start filling or get back to me to take the hose out of the car and hand me my receipt. That's always frustrating.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

But there are very few stations that still over a true "Full" service anymore.

Those all became message parlors.

I've found that unlike when I do it myself, they don't always squeeze out the last drops from the pump.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

 

[Aerial Assault]

But there are very few stations that still over a true "Full" service anymore.

Those all became message parlors.

I've found that unlike when I do it myself, they don't always squeeze out the last drops from the pump.

I got your message.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank.

What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

 

[RUSF18]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank. What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

Common sense dictates this is the case.

 

[njherdfan]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank.

What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

Here's the New Jersey Legislature's factual findings. Although they don't use independent statistics, so take it with a grain of salt, I guess.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank.

What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

Here's the New Jersey Legislature's factual findings. Although they don't use independent statistics, so take it with a grain of salt, I guess.

This is their reasoning for the law from 1949. Surely there is something more recent.

 

[njherdfan]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank.

What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

Here's the New Jersey Legislature's factual findings. Although they don't use independent statistics, so take it with a grain of salt, I guess.

This is their reasoning for the law from 1949. Surely there is something more recent.

I have no idea if there is. But it's not like there's some kind of super powerful union of gas pumpers. If the owners of gas stations really thought that this was costing them money, don't you think they'd move to change it?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

Low state gas taxes. Its that simple. It has nothing to do with full-serve v. self-serve.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

at "never had to get one of those"

Yeah I was thinking of the old fast pass or what ever. Again, in NJ all my life its never been an issue. Just hand the guy cash and go.

Fact remains, I pay less and never leave my car.

How does it cost less to pay somebody to fill your car up instead of doing it yourself?

NJ prices are lower than national average (thanks to the 2nd lowest gas tax in the nation) I can drive about 5 miles from my house to PA and pay as much as 25 to 30 cents per gallon more and have to pump it.

Right now I can pay $2.05 in NJ. A few miles away in PA the lowest (on gas buddy) is $2.43.

So if you didn't have to pay the guy to pump the gas, it would be even less expensive?

Probably depends. Not only with living in NY, but I've spent a lot of time in PA and have also traveled enough to see plenty of locals #### up the process on their own, whether it's with actually filling the pump or not being able to swipe their card correctly. Add in the rare times people go inside to pay cash and having a pump basically out of commission at times and it could end up being cheaper to have a couple guys earning minimum wage.

I'm hoping to master the can opener one day.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I know the speculative reasoning that was used 60 years ago when self service pumps were invented and the laws were passed. And I know that lots of NJians (mostly women) freak out when confronted with the possible horror of filling their own tank.

What I'm asking is for you to provide a shred of proof that the gas tax is made lower because of the law or that liability insurance is lower due to the law. Surely with 60 years on the books, the evidence is quite extensive and easy to demonstrate.

It is in fact both. As I said, do a search. With apologies, I have other things to do than a search for you on demand, particularly when I sense that no matter what I find and post, you'll disagree with it. And that's completely fine; I'm not really that worried about it.

 

[RUSF18]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

Low state gas taxes. Its that simple. It has nothing to do with full-serve v. self-serve.

Let's try this again: a state with ever increasingly sky high property taxes and home prices happens to have one of the lowest gas prices in the state. Doesn't it stand to reason that something is causing the low state gas taxes?

 

[Joe Summer]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

Low state gas taxes. Its that simple. It has nothing to do with full-serve v. self-serve.

State by state gas pricesNew Jersey is 41 cents less than New York, despite the fact that the gas tax is only 35.8 cents less.

New Jersey is 37 cents less than Pennsylvania (gas tax differential is 36 cents).

New Jersey is 11 cents less than Delaware (gas tax differential is 8.5 cents).

New Jersey is 22 cents less than Maryland (gas tax differential is 15.3 cents).

 

[NutterButter]

Is anyone disputing that pumping your own gas is better than having someone do it for you?

Yes...when the attendants are slow and the station is busy. It shouldn't take 10 minutes to get gas. I'd honestly rather pump it myself most of the time just for the efficiency.

Same here. Sucks hearing that click and just having to sit there for a few minutes for someone to take the pump out and hand you a receipt.

 

[GoFishTN]

My grandma used to get full service gas. Since I'm not an old lady, I prefer doing it myself.

 

[jhib]

Because New Jersians are to stupid to safely pump their own gas. Apparently so are Oregonians

This kind of posting never gets old.

 

[shuke]

Much lower prices than the national average and you get to avoid smelly gas hands. I don't see the problem.

Not to mention I can pull up and tell an attendant to give me $20 regular and be gone in a few minutes without having to leave my car. I don't have to get out and wait in line behind someone getting a water bottle and a pack of smokes to tell the guy to put $20 on pump 3.

But the problem is when a station doesn't have enough people working to man all the pumps. You stop off the turnpike to get gas, I guarantee you're waiting.

 

[pollardsvision]

I get the lower liability insurance premiums for full service, but I'm not understanding how the full service laws help or cause NJ have lower gas taxes than other states.

And if the insurance savings were so substantial, I'd think you'd see some gas stations in the 48 states with the freedom to choose elect to "save money" by hiring gas pumpers and going full service. I've lived in a number of of these states and have yet to see a gas station elect to do this. At least not in the last 25 years. Hell you'd think millions of gas stations are missing a golden opportunity to offer full service and lower prices to really blow away the competition.

Gas stations run on tight margins and, apparently, to get a station to go full service you have to force them by law. That tells me it doesn't save them money.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

Low state gas taxes. Its that simple. It has nothing to do with full-serve v. self-serve.

Let's try this again: a state with ever increasingly sky high property taxes and home prices happens to have one of the lowest gas prices in the state. Doesn't it stand to reason that something is causing the low state gas taxes?

what are the turnpike tolls? I suspect higher tolls, and other taxes, allows New Jersey to fill their coffers in other ways than a gas tax...http://www.wnyc.org/story/ever-wonder-why-new-jersey-has-such-cheap-gas/

 

[GroveDiesel]

Some strange but predictable stuff in this thread, probably mostly covered in the other thread.

This answers address New Jersey but, I believe, have equal applicability to Oregon.

NJ indeed has cheaper gas despite the full service, because (a) the full service permits a lower state tax rate, and (b) the full service enables service station owners to get cheaper liability insurance, which savings are passed on the consumer. So If NJ has self-service gas, the price would actually increase, probably considerably. Counterintuitive? Sure, somewhat. But actually true.

We all mock the safety issue and understandably so, but in truth, it is a concern, as is the cumulative environmental impact of topping off, spillage, etc. Yes, the other 48 states accept this risk, but that doesn't make New Jersey or Oregon backwards or ridiculous. If you want some truly stupid or loathsome laws not involving gas pumping, I'll be happy to provide some from Virginia (my personal favorite), Texas, North Carolina, or some Deep South states.

Elderly people and disabled people also benefit from the self-service ban, and frankly everyone benefits in bad weather.

And yes, thousands of people would lose their jobs if this were repealed. But that is neither the exclusive reason for the law nor a compelling reason to label it an example of "big bad gubmint."

I'm going to need some proof. I'm not buying this at all.

I suggest you do 10-15 minutes of research on why the law exists. If you type and read fast it might only take you 2-3 minutes.

I haven't done the research, but something tells me that there's a legitimate reason for why a state that is among the highest cost for virtually everything is among the lowest in gas prices.

Low state gas taxes. Its that simple. It has nothing to do with full-serve v. self-serve.

Let's try this again: a state with ever increasingly sky high property taxes and home prices happens to have one of the lowest gas prices in the state. Doesn't it stand to reason that something is causing the low state gas taxes?

what are the turnpike tolls? I suspect higher tolls, and other taxes, allows New Jersey to fill their coffers in other ways than a gas tax...http://www.wnyc.org/story/ever-wonder-why-new-jersey-has-such-cheap-gas/

Yeah, NJ has some major infrastructure problems and the fund that is to be used for them (and funded mainly by the gas tax) is pretty much tapped out. In fact, they routinely borrow from the general fund to cover expenses which is really an accounting no-no. But politically, it's easier for them to steal money from the general fund and either raise property taxes more or rail against the teachers than it is to raise the gas tax to actually cover infrastructure expenses.

 

[grateful zed]

on a side note. where has NJ been?

 

[squidrope]

We had to have a pump jockey, pump our gas into our "racecar" at NJMP's track pumps. There is a small wire that attaches the cap to the fuel cell. The PJ closed the wire between the cap and the cell causing a leak. Fortunately we figured it out before anything caught fire.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Is anyone disputing that pumping your own gas is better than having someone do it for you?

yes. do you prefer to have someone feed you by hand too?

I prefer a 2nd attendant hand feeding me gas station hot dogs and slurpees while someone else cleans my windshield and pumps my gas.

 

[kentric]

NJ:

Close to NYC, some of the most affluent towns in America, some of the best school districts in America, close to the beach, and full service gas cheaper than most places in the country...

Great place to live and raise a family

NJ is also a great place to pay $20K in property taxes/year for a moderately sized home..

Like Montclair, Livingston, Middletown, Holmdel, Colts Neck, or Rumson?

I'm exploring the possibility of moving to one of the above towns, their school systems and nonexistent crime rate make it well worth it.

Paying $20k in taxes sure beats sending two kids to private school if you are considering moving out of NYC.

Outside of the high property taxes Montclair is a great place to live. Very accepting of lifestyles (mixed-race couples, same sex couples) and general liberal attitude. School system is very good with different elementary schools having individual focuses. Part of the reason the taxes are so high is due to the school system - taxes represent approx. 57% of taxes.

 

[Sinn Fein]

- taxes represent approx. 57% of taxes.

words to live by

 

[QuizGuy66]

I was down in NJ last week and gas down there is apparently all full service. Does anyone know if this is a statewide law? For those that do know, why exactly was the law put in place? The gas down there seemed pretty cheap so not sure if this has any affect on the price but I was having a really hard time understanding the reasoning behind the law. Are there any other states that also have this law?

Self service is a scam. The gas companies just add any savings to their profits.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

People were happy having their gas pumped without leaving the car back when that nutjob was sniping people.

That was happening in DC, a few hours away.

I know. But not only were there plenty of stories back then about people being scared to pump their own gas all over the place, but he had connections to New Jersey and the car he was shooting from was registered in NJ.

Never realized this guy was just a full-service advocate. If presented this way a Jersey jury would never convict.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Jughandles are great by the way - get the slow fxkers into the right lane where they belong instead of clogging the left lane ahead of their turn. Florida's US 1 had me wanting to hurt people b/c of this.

-QG

 

[heckmanm]

People were happy having their gas pumped without leaving the car back when that nutjob was sniping people.

It's true

 

[General Malaise]

I was down in NJ last week and gas down there is apparently all full service. Does anyone know if this is a statewide law? For those that do know, why exactly was the law put in place? The gas down there seemed pretty cheap so not sure if this has any affect on the price but I was having a really hard time understanding the reasoning behind the law. Are there any other states that also have this law?

Yeah, Oregon. I've probably wasted a good 4-5 hours of my life waiting for the gas jockeys to fill my tank. So dumb.

My mom told me a story of driving through Oregon, stopping at a gas station, and starting to pump her own gas. An Indian guy (dots) comes running out of the building yelling "STOP! WE ARE PEOPLE TOO! WE ARE PEOPLE TOO!!!"

Yeah, it's a crime to pump your own gas here. They will go ballistic if you try and will call the cops if you don't stop. You don't mess around with it here. It is head-spinningly stupid and I hate it.

 

[General Malaise]

Because New Jersians are to stupid to safely pump their own gas. Apparently so are Oregonians

 

[glvsav37]

these laws are some of the dumbest in the world.

I was very happy sitting in my heated car during those single-digit temp days while someone else pumped it. And paid significantly less than my neighboring states.

Rarely do I have to wait for the pump jockey as they are usually sitting in a booth about 5 feet away from where I pull up.

This,

Don't live in NJ, but near my house, I have 2 gas stations next to each other. One us Full service and the other is Self Serve, both usually the same price per gallon.

Even if its an extra few minutes, why would i want to get out of may can and do that in the freezing cold winter? Even if you are paying cash, the attendant takes it and makes change. So no need to move out of my car.

 

[matttyl]

If gas is cheaper in New Jersey because it's full service, why isn't it also cheaper in Oregon? The list linked above shows it as the 6th most expensive state, by average. I understand it likely takes $ to deliver the gas, but it's about 29 cents more expensive than Idaho right next door - and pretty much even with Washington.

 

[Zow]

It's random here. When prices came down most places stopped the cash or credit pricing. Wawa never had it (I don't think).

Some places still do it. It's usually 5 cents but have seen it 10 cents also. But we also have gas stations that are 15-30 cents higher only 1/2 mile away from other stations

I miss Wawa

 

[Sinn Fein]

Map with gas tax, by state: http://www.exxonmobilperspectives.com/2014/02/07/this-gasoline-tax-map-explains-a-lot/?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Perspectives_-_Full_Site

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Why New Jersey doesn't let you pump your own gas

The ban dates back to 1949

Lawmakers in New Jersey and Oregon are considering bills that would finally give drivers in those states the option to pump their own gas. But why was that practice banned in the first place?

Let’s start with the case in New Jersey. The Garden State’s ban on self-service gas stations, which are allowed in 48 states, began in 1949 when the New Jersey Legislature passed the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. That law, enacted over concerns about the safety of consumers pumping petroleum themselves, was later followed by many other states. However, almost every state has since overturned their self-serve bans.

Some contend the New Jersey law was rooted in corruption, not safety concerns. There are also worries that young, inexperienced drivers run into trouble when visiting neighboring states and forced to pump their own gas for the first time (that was an issue for the author of this story when he drove in Pennsylvania as a teenager).

In both states, advocates say gasoline could be several cents cheaper if stations weren’t required to pay staff to pump gas. But thousands of jobs are also at stake if the practice ends.

That could all change now that lawmakers in New Jersey said Monday they intend to introduce legislation that would give drivers the option of self or full service at gasoline stations. That proposal comes about a month after a measure would allow drivers in rural parts of Oregon to serve themselves.

In some ways, these potential law changes could be a sign of the times. Roughly a year ago, a survey found that while Oregonians are almost evenly divided on self-service gas, voters under the age of 45 are strongly in favor of controlling the pump.

Self-serve gas not happening, N.J. senate president says

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney has said it before and he's saying it again: Drivers in New Jersey aren't going to be pumping their own gas as long as he has any say in the matter.

"I continue to support the full service requirement for New Jersey's gas stations and I will oppose any attempt to rescind the law that has effectively served the best interests of the state's motorists for decades," Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said in a statement Tuesday. "As long as I am Senate President, the ban on self-serve will stay in place."

"Full service is matter of convenience and especially important to the disabled, senior citizens and others who would find it difficult or impossible to operate gas pumps," Sweeney said. "We've been doing it the right way in New Jersey. We should not change."

The proposal, however, would require that gas stations provide an attendant to pump gas for senior citizens and the disabled at no extra charge.

In response to Sweeney's statement, Sarlo — who chairs the powerful Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee — sent out his own saying he was aware that Sweeney was opposed to the bill.

"But I feel it's important as the Senate Budget chairman to start the conversation on the issue now, especially as we head into negotiations next year over how to fund the Transportation Trust Fund," Sarlo said. "We know we're going to have to consider some type of transportation user fee, and self-serve gas would lessen the impact of the inevitable increase."

http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/107219-it+really+big+deal+pump+your+own+gas

Is It Really That Big a Deal to Pump Your Own Gas?Letters to the Editor | Thu, 05/28/2015 - 11:24 am | Updated 10 hours 50 sec ago | Read 58 | Commented 1 | Emailed 0
By Charles Fischer

To the Editor: Should doing something that some people find inconvenient be a crime in N.J.? State Senate President Steve Sweeny just quashed a bill that would have decriminalized the act of persons pumping their own gas in our state. Sweeny said, “There is nothing wrong with the current system. … It’s a matter of convenience, not safety.” For years we have been told that pumping our own gas is too hazardous to be legal. Now, like magic, it’s really about “convenience.” I’d laugh if this wasn’t so pathetic. If the standard by which we criminalize acts is “convenience,” then why stop with gasoline? There are limitless theoretical “inconveniences” out there. Why not outlaw self-serve coffee at Wawa? How about laundromats or cafeteria-style dining? Should you be allowed to cut your own grass, shovel your own snow, or cook your own meals? In reality, one person’s “inconvenience” is the manifestation of another person’s liberty. If nobody is harmed by an act, then with what moral authority can our elected representatives stop us from enjoying our personal and economic freedoms? This bill merely legalized self-service and gives the consumer a choice. Many gas stations would likely continue full-service in response to customer demand. Competitive forces would ultimately ensure the best outcome. That’s how the free market works. Unfortunately, Sweeny has proclaimed that this matter is “going nowhere” so long as he’s in charge. One wonders: who benefits? Don’t kill the bill, Senator Sweeney. The people of New Jersey should be empowered to choose how they want to receive their gasoline. They can “handle” it!